Quote Originally Posted by Esser View Post
The difference is that the rec license still requires a medical. Canada is still very much in the dark ages regarding medicals. So if you get a sport license with no medical, they don't recognize it.
Actually I think it is the US and the FAA that are in the dark ages when it comes to medical. I am not sure, and maybe someone from the US can confirm but I believe the cost for a medical for a US aviation license is thousands.
A Canadian CAME exam is $150. A class 3 medical which is all that is needed for a Rec License can be signed by your family doctor. (Mine never charged me)

You are right about Canada not allowing sport pilots to fly in Canada because there is no medical but the cost of the FAA medical is a little prohibitive for some I am sure.